HOLYOKE, Mass. – Over 650 people gathered at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, Mass. on May 16 to celebrate true diversity through fashion at a fundraiser for Unify Against Bullying. Students of all shapes, sizes, styles, ethnicity, sexual orientation and physical ability from 30 different schools in Mass. and Conn. strutted their stuff at the non-profit’s third annual Fashion Show, presented by Robert Charles Photography of East Longmeadow. “Through the show, our goal is to help students see that it’s important to celebrate our differences – rather than step back from them. What makes us each unique is ultimately what makes us stronger as a community.” says Edward Zemba, President of Unify Against Bullying. This year’s event raised over $56,000 towards their anti-bullying initiatives.

Greta Salóme, Icelandic performer, joined the students on stage for a moving performance which portrayed an example of dealing with bullying and what it takes to rise above it. During the skit, she performed her song, “Hear Them Calling,” which she sang in the finals of Eurovision in 2016. “The song is about listening to the positive voices within,” said Salóme. Having dealt with bullying in her own life, Salóme was inspired to join the Unify movement after hearing of the worldwide #UnifySelfieChallenge in 2016. The social media campaign began with a challenge to gain participation from 50 states and 50 countries within a 50-day time span, which the organization accomplished thanks to help from public figures like Greta.

Watch At Minute 55 as she steps in to share her magic!

While in the United States, Greta plans to visit local schools to speak on behalf of Unify Against Bullying. She hopes to use her experiences to help educate today’s children that our differences are what make us unique. Her message is aligned with the non-profit’s in that she wants to empower students to make smart choices and embrace diversity.

Also performing at the Fashion Show was local high school student, Kenny Roche, who uses his background in performance to create viral music videos about ending violence, accepting diversity and bringing an end to bullying. Kenny debuted a new song with a focus on anti-bullying that he created for the show. His original single, “Stop the Violence,” became a viral sensation earlier in 2017 with over 950k views on Facebook. Unify Against Bullying also celebrated its first national partner for this year’s Fashion Show, Paul Mitchell’s new hair care brand, NEON.

The mission of Unify Against Bullying is to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of true diversity. Unify intends to accomplish this goal through providing grants to those who are in the best position to make a difference; children, parents, teachers and administrators. These are the unsung heroes who are on the front-lines of bullying each and every day. Through providing them with funding and resources, the children of the world will see; the days of ignoring bullying are over. Instead, we are in a new era where we celebrate our differences and come together as one community. That is why the Unify motto is; when we stand together, we stand as one.

A Pozzi Power Phenomenon is happening.

During the Friendeshans last visit to planet earth, they were happy to see the Pozzi Power being spread by their new friend #UnifyAgainstBullying. They have returned now to JOIN their UnifyAgainstBullying.org friends to help spread the news about their upcoming Fashion Show!

On March 13, 2017 the Friendeshans will join their friends at Unify as they hold their 2017 Unify Launch Party at Blake Commons at Bay Path University March 13 at 5:30 p.m. This invitation-only event will feature the official opening of ticket sales to their 2017 fashion show.

The fashion show is Unify’s number one event to raise funds for scholarship and grant monies to be awarded to individuals who make significant contributions in anti-bully and self-esteem awareness.

Spreading Pozzi Power through scholarships.

Mitchell Knowles, a Ludlow High School guidance counselor who is developing a program to educate bullies about the effects of their behavior on others.

Patrick Ireland, a Longmeadow educator who teaches classes focusing on building self-esteem, educational enhancement, and kindness through noncontact self-defense.

Matt Walting, a high school student from Wilbraham who is producing a film about a student who is a victim of bullying and abuse at home and at school.

Taylor White, a high school student from Westfield who was in the Unify Against Bullying Fashion Show last April, and Justin Comtois, an Agawam High School student who plans to make a short film on bullying both received $250 grants.

If your kids are already talking about the FriendShip Friendesha keep the conversation going with some of these talking points!

The book gives children new ways to think and talk about social problems at school like bullies, problem students, or even teachers that may cause undue stress and tension.

After reading the story again, together, ask some questions.

Is there anyone at school that reminds you of an Oily Spoily?

Have you ever felt like an Oily Spoily squirted you?

Is there anyone at school that makes you feel mad, bad, or sad?

What do you think you should do to someone who acts like an Oily Spoily?

What are some reasons that someone might be acting that way?

Use the conversation as a way to get your child to feel comfortable talking about his or her problems with you. Gauge the level of distress being caused by classmates, and take action if need be, but remember: the Friendshans are all about giving children healthy, respectful, and positive ways to deal with negativity in their lives.

Empower them to fight negative energy with positive energy!

The book gives children new ways to think and talk about social problems at school like bullies, problem students, or even teachers that may cause undue stress and tension.

Bullying is Hurtful

Beyond the emotional distress of being bullied, many are subject to physical pain. In many instances, bullying can escalate to physical pain being inflicted on the victim. The young boy on the school bus who was pummelled by bullies as others cheered on and subsequently endured a broken jaw – to the girl who was forced to eat sand after her head was pushed to the ground.

Verbal, physical, and cyberbullying all have long term effects on the personality and esteem of the individual being bullied. The person being bullied may struggle with depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping and eating, loneliness, and decreased achievement in school. Oftentimes, the effects of bullying will continue into a victim’s adult life, leading to increased drug abuse and decreased social stability. Many who have been bullied tend to keep the abuse a secret, because of shame and embarrassment or fear of further pain they may suffer as a result of speaking out; thus, the bullying persists.

Bullying knows no limits.

Bullying is often dangerous for the well being of the bully and the bullied. The effects of bullying can also be dangerous for bystanders, those who stand by and watch without interjection. Bystanders face peer pressure and are afraid of showing vulnerability; therefore, they refrain from doing the right thing and stepping in.

Bullying can be stopped.

For starters – where bystanders are concerned, both those being taunted and those who are taunting, it is important to set the standard from early on that bullying cannot be tolerated. Schools and communities can help protect children against bullying behavior by emphasizing their respect for diversity.

Aside from bringing awareness and offering useful information to identify and prevent bullying, the Friendeshans often search the galaxy for organizations that support anti-bullying efforts. This weeks journey lead our loveable race to UNIFY – a non-profit organization who “pledge to bring an end to bullying through the celebration of diversity”.

According to their mission statement:

There are countless children waging quiet battles against bullying. Many believe that they are alone. Unify Against Bullying wants these children to know they are far from alone. They are supported by a loving, caring community of fellow students, teachers, parents, brothers, sisters, business leaders and others.

Honors | Awards

The Joe Dial

By Joe Scott

Feeling stuck or unhappy in any area of your life? The Joe Dial supplies the missing key that will get the gears of success turning. You'll quickly become a better spouse, a better parent, a better team member, a better leader, and a better friend.

About the Author

Joe Scott is a major developer and contractor in the Merrimack River Valley, and also an acclaimed author.
His first book, The Joe Dial, received glowing reviews for its perceptive take on human interaction, and the role of positive and negative energy in relationships.
His new series, The Friend Ship Friendesha, introduces many of the same lessons to children ages 4-8.